How To Fix WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS032 - The "Valid to" date & cannot be earlier than today's date

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS - Message for Errors in Material Screens

• Message number: 032

• Message text: The "Valid to" date & cannot be earlier than today's date

Self-Explanatory Message

Since SAP believes that this specific error message is 'self-explanatory,' no more information has been given.The majority of messages in the SAP system have a message text, however this is frequently insufficient to comprehend or resolve the problem.

To make things easier, more detailed information is frequently added to describe the issue, how to fix it, and the necessary steps or configuration modifications.

Unfortunately, there isn't any extra information in this error notice.

What else can you do?

First, use our AnswerBot below to get a possible cause and solution (requires a premium subscription).

Also, review the in-depth Common Questions & Answers listed below; you could discover a solution there or be able to connect with others who have faced similar challenges.

You can also try searching the SAP support portal (support.sap.com) but you need a special user ID to access it. It is possible that an SAP support note exists that provides additional details about the mistake or even steps for fixing it.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS032 - The "Valid to" date & cannot be earlier than today's date ?

  Certainly! Here's a detailed explanation for the SAP error message:
  
  SAP Error Message:
  WRF_ARTICLE_SCREENS032
  
  Text: The "Valid to" date cannot be earlier than today's date.
  
  Cause:
  This error occurs when you try to enter or save an article (material) or related master data with a "Valid to" date that is earlier than the current date (today's date). In SAP, validity periods are used to define the timeframe during which certain data (e.g., prices, conditions, articles) are valid. The system enforces that the "Valid to" date must be today or a future date to ensure data consistency and prevent the creation of records that are already expired at the time of entry.
  
  Solution:
  
  Check the "Valid to" date field in the transaction or screen where you are entering the data.
  Ensure that the "Valid to" date is set to today’s date or a future date.
  If you intended to enter historical data, verify if the system or business process allows backdating. If not, you may need to adjust your process or request a system change.
  If the date is being populated automatically (e.g., by a user exit, BAdI, or custom code), review the logic to ensure it does not set an invalid past date.
  Save the record again after correcting the date.
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  This message is typically encountered in modules like SAP Retail (IS-Retail), SAP MM (Material Management), or SAP SD (Sales and Distribution) when maintaining article master data or condition records.
  The validity period fields are often labeled as "Valid from" and "Valid to" and are used to control the active period of master data or pricing conditions.
  If you need to maintain historical data, check if your SAP system has specific configurations or customizations that allow backdating or archiving of old data.
  Sometimes, this validation is controlled by a user exit or BAdI (e.g., in IS-Retail, user exits like EXIT_SAPLMEKO_001 or similar might enforce date checks).
  For troubleshooting, check the exact transaction or program where the error occurs and review the date fields.
  
  
  Summary:
  
  
  
  Aspect
  Details
  
  
  
  
  Error
  "Valid to" date cannot be earlier than today
  
  
  Cause
  Entered "Valid to" date is before current date
  
  
  Solution
  Set "Valid to" date to today or a future date
  
  
  Module
  SAP Retail, MM, SD (article master, conditions)
  
  
  Notes
  Check custom code or user exits if auto-populated
  
  
  
  
  If you provide the exact transaction or context where this error occurs, I can help with more specific guidance.